SLU Launches $1 Million Scholarship Effort for Local Catholic High School Students

St. Louis Archdiocese, Four Catholic High Schools in Metro East Included in Jesuit-Funded Program

ST. LOUIS — Saint Louis University has established the SLU Jesuit Community Scholarships, a new $1 million initiative for local Catholic high school students.

Starting this fall, one student from each of the 28 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis as well as four Catholic high schools in the Metro East will receive a scholarship to SLU. Annual award amounts will range from $5,000 to full tuition, depending on need.

Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis, poses for a photo with students from St. Frances Cabrini Academy during the Archbishop's Gala for the Today and Tomorrow Education Foundation Thursday night. The new SLU scholarship program was announced for the first time during the event. Photo by McCarty

"This new scholarship program is yet another sign that Saint Louis University remains deeply committed to Catholic education at all levels," said University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. "We're very pleased to assist local families who share our commitment."

To qualify for SLU Jesuit Community Scholarships, applicants must have the following:

Recipients can renew their scholarships each academic year if they maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. They also must complete 20 hours of service annually at their alma mater high schools.

Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis, applauded the new SLU initiative.

"Father Biondi's commitment to Catholic education, the stabilization and revitalization of neighborhoods, and social justice issues are evident in the successes of Saint Louis University, its students and graduates," Carlson said. "This exciting partnership opens doors of opportunity for students otherwise unable to attend college and helps break the cycle of poverty."

The SLU Jesuit Community Scholarships are sponsored by the Marchetti Endowment Fund, which is named for the late Jerome J. Marchetti, S.J., an alumnus and longtime professor and administrator at the University. The fund is supported though contributions from the salaries of Jesuits who teach and minister at SLU.

"The Jesuit community remains a vital component of Saint Louis University," Biondi said. "The Jesuits at SLU created the Marchetti Fund to advance the Jesuit and Catholic character of the University, and this new scholarship program certainly embodies that founding mission."